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Peripheral visual field defects after macular hole surgery: a complication with decreasing incidence
C A Gass1, C Haritoglou, E M Messmer
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, Mathildenstrasse 8, D-80336 Munich, Germany. carolin.gass@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 24, 2001
Summary
Peripheral visual field defects are a rare complication following macular hole surgery. This study found a very low incidence of such defects after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Idiopathic macular holes are a common cause of central vision loss.
- Vitrectomy is a standard surgical procedure for macular hole repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess peripheral visual field changes after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes.
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of visual field defects post-macular hole surgery.
Main Methods:
- Goldmann perimetry was conducted on 105 patients.
- Visual fields were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Only one patient (less than 1%) with a stage III macular hole developed an asymptomatic, peripheral, wedge-shaped visual field defect.
- The defect was located in the temporal quadrant and remained stable over 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral visual field defects are an infrequent complication of macular hole surgery.
- Low intraoperative pressure during air-fluid exchange and surgical technique may contribute to the low incidence of these defects.